Vandalism

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested two men over the alleged vandalism of a streetlight cable in Gwaram Local Government Area and an electrical transformer in Auyo Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Shi’isu Adam, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Dutse on Sunday.

According to Adam, the first suspect, identified as Aminu Musa, 38, of New Gwaram Town, was arrested on September 25, 2026, for allegedly cutting the armoured cable of a streetlight.

He said Musa, who operated a generator used to power streetlights in the area, was caught by police officers while allegedly committing the offence.

“The suspect, who is an operator of a streetlight generator in the area, was arrested by police operatives while committing the act.”

Adam said the suspect was taken to the police station, while officers visited the scene and recovered relevant exhibits.

He added that preliminary investigations were conducted before the case was forwarded to court for prosecution.

In a separate incident, police received information on September 29 that residents of Ayan village in Auyo Local Government Area had apprehended another suspect over the alleged vandalism of a transformer.

The suspect, identified as Laminu Sha’aibu, 26, from Gumusuwa village in Kafin Hausa Local Government Area, was reportedly arrested at Maskangayu village in Auyo with dismantled transformer coils.

According to the police spokesperson, the suspect was at risk of being lynched by an angry mob when officers arrived at the scene.

Adam said the officers rescued him and took him to the nearest primary healthcare centre for medical attention. He was treated and later discharged, while the vandalised transformer was recovered.

“During the investigation, the suspect stated that he had spent three nights dismantling the transformer without being detected,” Adam said.

The police said investigations were conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offences and determine whether other individuals were involved.

Adam confirmed that both cases had been charged before the appropriate court for prosecution.

He also quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijjani Murtala, as commending members of the public whose information helped the police apprehend the suspects.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, particularly attempts to damage electricity installations, streetlights and other public infrastructure.

He assured residents that the command would continue to work with communities and relevant stakeholders to protect public property and ensure that those responsible for offences were brought to justice.